Standoff in the Depths: South Africa's Battle Against Illegal Mining

South African police are involved in a standoff with illegal miners in a disused shaft, amidst efforts to curb illegal mining across the nation. Police have been cutting off supplies, leading to over 1,000 surfacing, though many remain underground. The government is firm on not assisting the illegal miners.

A tense standoff unfolded on Thursday between South African police and hundreds of illegal miners entrenched in an abandoned shaft. The confrontation comes a day after a cabinet minister emphasized the government's determination to "smoke them out." Efforts continue as police strive to clear the gold mine in North West province.

Amid these efforts, more than 1,000 illegal miners resurfaced when police cut off their food and water supplies. However, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe noted that many remain underground. On Thursday, a decomposed body was retrieved, with pathologists examining the site.

Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni made clear on Wednesday that the government would not assist the zama-zamas, South Africa's term for illegal miners. "We are going to smoke them out," she declared. High-level police and defense officials plan to visit the site on Friday, in a show of commitment to resolving the issue lawfully and safely.

(With inputs from agencies.)